For too long, Georgia allowed employers to legally underpay workers with disabilities. That’s now a thing of the past.
With the passing of Senate Bill 55, Georgia has officially eliminated subminimum wages for workers with disabilities — a major step forward for civil rights and labor justice.
What Changed?
For decades, a little-known federal exemption allowed businesses to pay disabled workers below the minimum wage, sometimes just $2 or $3 an hour.
This was done under Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act, a rule originally created to encourage employment but ultimately created two classes of workers — one with rights, the other without. Now, that’s over. Senate Bill 55 makes it clear: equal pay for equal work applies to everyone, regardless of physical or mental ability.
Why This Law Matters
This isn’t just policy — this is a step toward dignity. People with disabilities have been told they’re “lucky” to have a job — even if that job paid pennies on the dollar. Senate Bill 55 says otherwise: You don’t have to settle for less. Your work has value. And you deserve to be paid fairly.
Advocates for disability rights have long argued that paying disabled workers less devalues their labor and reinforces harmful stereotypes.
While originally intended to help create jobs, the subminimum wage model often led to:
- Segregated work environments (e.g., sheltered workshops) – Sheltered workshops kept workers with disabilities physically and socially separated from the mainstream workforce. By ending subminimum wage policies, Georgia encourages full inclusion and integration into competitive, community-based jobs.
- Exploitation of vulnerable individuals – Many disabled workers were paid far below what their labor was worth simply because they lacked legal knowledge or advocacy. Senate Bill 55 restores a level playing field by protecting those who were most easily taken advantage of.
- Lifelong poverty for many disabled workers – Being underpaid for decades made it nearly impossible for some individuals to escape generational cycles of economic hardship. This law isn’t just about wages — it’s about giving disabled workers a real shot at financial independence and long-term stability.
Georgia SB 55 ends this cycle by demanding equal pay for equal work.
A Brief Glance at Senate Bill 55
Senate Bill 55 (SB 55) is a piece of legislation aimed at ensuring fair pay for all workers, regardless of disability.
Specifically, it prohibits employers in Georgia from paying individuals with disabilities less than the state’s minimum wage — a practice that was previously allowed under a federal loophole.
Under Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act, employers could apply for special waivers that allowed them to pay disabled workers based on productivity, often resulting in wages as low as $2 or $3 per hour.
SB 55 closes that loophole at the state level.
Legal Support for Affected Workers
If you or someone you love has worked for less than minimum wage because of a disability, you may be entitled to back pay or legal remedies.
At The Perazzo Law Firm, we’re here to help you:
Understand Your Rights Under SB 55
Georgia Senate Bill 55 ends the use of subminimum wage for workers with disabilities — but what does that mean for you?
- You have the right to be paid at least the minimum wage, regardless of any physical, intellectual, or developmental disability.
- Employers can no longer rely on federal waivers (Section 14(c)) to justify paying you less.
- You are protected under both state and federal labor laws, which means if an employer violates these protections, they can face legal consequences.
If you’re unsure whether your employer is following the law, The Perazzo Law Firm can help review your work history, pay records, and employment status.
2. Explore Legal Options if You Were Underpaid
If you were paid less than minimum wage due to a disability — even if it happened years ago — you may have legal options to recover lost wages.
- You might be entitled to back pay, damages, and potentially civil penalties against your employer.
- If multiple workers were affected, you could be part of a class action or group claim.
- Employers may be held accountable for violating anti-discrimination laws, not just wage violations.
Our team will assess your eligibility, gather supporting documentation, and determine the best strategy for your case.
3. Fight for Fair Compensation and Justice
At The Perazzo Law Firm, we don’t just explain the law — we fight to enforce it on your behalf.
- We work with clients across Georgia to hold employers accountable who exploited legal loopholes.
- Our legal team pursues financial compensation, policy changes, and legal reforms where needed.
- Every case we handle is a step toward dignity, justice, and equality in the workplace.
Whether you’re a former employee or currently facing unfair wages, we’re here to advocate for you — relentlessly and respectfully.
We proudly serve clients across Georgia, Florida, and Texas, with a focus on civil rights, employment law, and disability justice.
If you or someone you love has worked for less than minimum wage because of a disability, you may be entitled to back pay or legal remedies.
Know someone who’s been underpaid due to a disability?
Comment “fair pay” and we’ll send you a full legal breakdown — plus how The Perazzo Law Firm can help protect your rights.
